Spiritual Principles
My life was filled with many experiences before coming to Narcotics Anonymous. My experiences surrounding my drug use led me to consider learning a different way of living. I was at the point of desperation. The biggest problem was my attitude. Life seemed a lot more difficult for me than for others and I was resentful. I was full of contempt. I was often unwilling to take any responsibility for my choices.
Our disease isolated us from people except for the getting, using and finding ways and means to get more. Hostile, resentful, self-centered and self-seeking, we cut ourselves off from the outside world. Anything not completely familiar became alien and dangerous. Our world shrank and isolation became our life. We used in order to survive.
Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Chapter 1, ‘Who is an Addict’
Learning the program came to me in pieces; literature, a shared experience I heard, some wisdom from a trusted member, or surviving my own application of spiritual principles. Spiritual principles were the foundation of my new life. There was a comradery in my identification as an addict. I shared my experiences and continued to practice. Some people would say that this is doctrine.
A formal set or body of teachings and beliefs that are taught and promoted by a group, school, or religion.
Definition of doctrine.
I did not see this as indoctrination. I ignored people who told me what to do. I took responsibility for my recovery. I was willing to learn a new way of living.
Personal Recovery
My doctrine continues to grow. I embrace responsibility for all aspects of my recovery. I understand that my beliefs can differ from other members. I continue to work closely with others in a Narcotics Anonymous home group. I was taught we meet regularly to help each other and carry a message to the still suffering addict. I put aside my personal feelings as best I can. My doctrine is flexible because I need to work with others. My personal recovery depends on the relationships within my home group. I find the success of our group depends on our unity. We resolve differences by forming a group conscience when we have conflicts. The conscience of the group is a doctrine separate from mine, but I respect my group. When I lose respect for the group, I can leave and form another group or join a group that aligns with my core beliefs. Some beliefs have become deep foundations of my recovery. There are spiritual truths or tenets that I find are much more difficult to surrender.
Paths to Recovery
Greg P is a well-known member of NA who contributed a great deal of writing before he passed away on April 29, 1999. His wisdom and experience are scattered throughout the NA literature. He compiled twelve Spiritual Truths or Tenets in a booklet titled “Paths To Recovery (or pamphlet)”. This book is available online at https://narchive.info/.
A single, specific principle, opinion, or belief held to be true by a person or an organization.
A definition of Tenet
I have tenets that are important to me. I am careful how I affiliate with someone when our spiritual truths do not align. I also need to be cautious for complacency in my recovery. What might be right for me may not work for others. Some members have different beliefs from mine, and that is ok.
Principles, Doctrine, Tenets and Dogma.
Some spiritual truths or tenets are not shared by all members of NA. It is impossible to find two members who can agree on everything. I do not believe it is possible for a single vision of Narcotics Anonymous to exist.
I like the Second Edition of the Basic Text and the core principles this book contains. There are some beliefs that are dear to my heart.
- I like the use of the phrase ‘recovering and recovered addicts’. I believe that a recovered addict is possible. The Basic Text of NA has a chapter entitled ‘We Do Recover.’ I have seen recovered addicts with my own eyes. I have felt a sense of peace with who I am, and what I can do. I also know that my addiction is always present. I do not feel superior or better than anyone else and some days I do not feel recovered at all.
- I do believe that NA service only exists in a home group. The Twelve Traditions help home groups to function and provide guidance on service efforts. Service in NA prepares members for service outside of NA. Experienced members bring their kindness, compassion and generosity to service efforts. It might be at a food bank, or something connected to NA. When NA Groups form service bodies it is good for those involved to remember they are servants of the groups that formed the body. The fellowship of NA produces amazing members who benefit society in many ways. Service that is organized and members who strive to be professional is preferable and beneficial.
- The most difficult members can be those who position themselves as authorities. Promulgators that promote NA as a cult. They are impossible to find a middle ground with. They are only interested in achieving their own goals. The Basic Text includes a warning about self-seekers, and I believe that most of us are guilty of it at some point in our recovery. The addict in me welcomes becoming an authority.
Authority
a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as an established, unquestionable truth.
A definition of dogma
The biggest danger for me is complacency. I have developed a rigorous sense of what is right. I find myself growing increasingly isolated as I grow spiritually. A previous quote warns us that;
“Anything not completely familiar became alien and dangerous. Our world shrank and isolation became our life. We used in order to survive.”
I can return to using without picking up drugs by becoming an authority. I use old behaviors and character defects. I am also capable of learning new tools of destruction to further my agenda.
Our concept of God comes not from dogma but from what we believe ourselves, what works for us. Many of us understand God to be simply whatever keeps us clean.
Basic Text, Chapter 4, Step 3
This quote from the Basic Text mentions ‘works for us’ and does not say ‘works for me’. Anonymity means that the doctrine of the group is ahead of my doctrine. It is hard to accept that things will be wrong sometimes. I do not like to participate in anything that does not feel good. A balance in the scales of right and wrong serves the NA home group.